Chess Puzzle #NTPYE — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen g5; rooks b1/d1; bishop e3; pawns d3/e4/g2/h4. Black: king c8; queen a2; rooks d8/e2; pawns a7/b7/c7/e5/h5. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rbc1 — rook b1→c1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rg8 — rook d8→g8. Opponent replies Rxc7+ (rook c1→c7, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxc7 — king c8→c7, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxe5+ (queen g5→e5, captures pawn, gives check).
4. Best move: Kd7 — king c7→d7.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, long, middlegame. The key move is Rg8.

Position data

FEN: 2kr4/ppp5/8/4p1Qp/4P2P/3PB3/q3r1PK/1R1R4 w - - 0 27

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.